Processes for preparing phase change inks comprising admixing (a) a phase change ink carrier; (b) a colorant of the formula or mixtures thereof, wherein M1, z, A1, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, a, b, c, d, Y, Q, Q−, A1, and CA are as defined herein; and (c) a metal salt of the formula (M2v+)w(A2w−)v of which the metal portion M2 is either a metal ion having positive charge +v, a metal-containing moiety, or a mixture thereof, and A2 is an anion having negative charge −w, wherein M1 and M2 can be the same as or different from each other, wherein A1 and A2 can be the same as or different from each other, said admixing occurring at a temperature at which the ink carrier is a liquid.